I hate getting opinionated. Mostly because everyone finds a way to tell you that your opinion is wrong and that you don’t know what you’re saying. Well, not everyone. But a lot of people say that.
I’m interested in movies and the media. I watch the Academy Awards some years and other I don’t. If you really take the ceremony apart, bit by bit, it’s slightly disturbing. Yeah, let’s award these people for pretending to be someone else in front of a camera. Their payment of millions of dollars isn’t enough already. This is just a way for people to continually stroke their own egos. I also hate when people say actors or actresses are so “normal”. No, none of them are normal. They all want to be in front of a camera and have people tell them how great and talented they are. That’s not normal. Normal people wouldn’t chose that lifestyle.
Take the most eloquent, distinguished actor you know- Daniel Day Lewis or Meryl Streep, whoever. Sure, they seem like controlled, classy people, but when you break it down, they like to be other people in front of the camera. They want people to review them, critique them, and love them. It’s kind of sick when you think about it. All of Hollywood should have “Hey, look at me!!!” sharpied on their foreheads.
I can probably hone in on their love for attention, because I love attention too. I mean, who doesn’t right? But there are people that will go to greater lengths to get it. Like showing their boobs for example.
That was the only way I could segue into what I intended to write about. A bunch of people I know have been posting links to articles written about Seth MacFarlane’s job as a host. All of them have been awful. See, if I hadn’t watched the show myself, I would’ve just assumed that he was terrible and taken everyone’s word for it. But he wasn’t.
I am a fan of Family Guy and American Dad, both shows created by Mr. MacFarlane. I always thought he was super smart, comical, and had a great singing voice but I wasn’t sure about him hosting the Oscars. I warned my mom multiple times that he might do voices from Family Guy which will be super cringy, in which case I would change the channel immediately. 
To my surprise, there weren’t any voices (unless you count him doing the voice of Ted, the teddy bear). The audience laughed at all his jokes, he sang, he danced, he made fun of how long the show was dragging on for, it was great. Of course I expected him to make some borderline offensive comments, but the only thing the audience seemed to gasp for was a joke about Abraham Lincoln getting shot. Like, who cares?! There wouldn’t be a movie about him if he didn’t get shot! Actually, there probably still would’ve been because Daniel Day Lewis looks too much like him to not reenact his life. And to be honest, which Abe definitely was, I bet Mr. Lincoln would’ve laughed at that joke. Okay maybe not, but only because he wouldn’t understand our amazing 21st century humor, am I right?
The thing that really seemed to upset America was a little song that Seth performed called, “We Saw Your Boobs”. Journalists have been calling this song misogynistic. This honestly makes my blood boil. It just shows that people, women in particular, can’t take a joke. The actresses were the ones that CHOSE to show their boobs! If they’re upset at someone pointing it out, maybe they shouldn’t have been so ready and willing to take off their shirts. And pants for that matter. The Kate Winslet bit was perfect because she has been naked in almost everything that she’s been a part of. I don’t think there was a nude scene in Finding Neverland, but she probably asked for one. That song was nothing but funny, I would even call it silly. To get upset by a harmless tune like that is just ridiculous. He was only making an observation–something anyone could’ve done. If Jennifer Lawrence had sang the song I bet you a million dollars that everyone would’ve raved about how relatable and fun she is. She can do no wrong! But because Seth is a man, he’s now a misogynist. Okay, that’s fair.
Another thing that Seth said when he was acting as the voice of Ted alongside “Marky” Mark Wahlberg, was a joke about Jews in Hollywood. To sum up the joke, Ted basically announced that “Jews control Hollywood.” So journalists have called MacFarlane an anti-Semite as well. I mean, I don’t really find that offensive. Maybe because I’m not Jewish? Everyone knows that Jews don’t control Hollywood, but there are definitely a lot of Jewish people in that area of California. That’s just a fact. They made their voices known during Passion of the Christ, remember? I wouldn’t call MacFarlane an anti-Semite because of that joke. Nothing about that quote was offensive in any way.
MacFarlane was also called racist for making a joke about Daniel Day Lewis being in character at all times. He asked aloud, “If you bumped into Don Cheadle on the studio lot would you try and free him?” People are so overly sensitive to other people’s reactions. I feel like more white people felt “offended” than black people did with this one. He’s not racist because he tried to make a joke about Lincoln, slavery, and method acting. It’s a real shame that he’s being so attacked for making light-hearted jokes.
Of course on his shows, Seth MacFarlane pushes the envelope and says many crazy things. But that doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. As a host, he was tamer than I ever expected him to be. Since the show, he’s been asked if he will ever host the ceremony again to which he responded, “No way.”
Lily In Canada 
I’m not even a huge Seth MacFarlane fan, but I got sucked into watching the first award show I’ve watched in years because he was so charming as a host. I told Dave that after his performance, I was hoping he’d become our generation’s Dick Clark / Billy Crystal. Let him host everything, I’d watch it. It’s silly how rough everyone is being on him. He was great!
So glad you agree. I feel like people make a big deal out of the most minor things these days. I thought it was super funny, and I think the audience did too! I would let him host everything as well!
I thought he was wonderful and I agree people are so overly sensitive and critical. He is an extremely talented man and I would watch the Oscars more if he was always the host. As it was I PVR’d it and skipped all but his parts!
Hahah I wish I had PVR’s it because I sat through all the commercials too! A long night! But I’m glad we can agree that he was super funny and talented that night. 🙂
Your blog is so refreshing because it’s free of mainstream, canned or common ideas. You think for yourself. I think Seth MacFarlane was a fabulous host and that he’s exceptionally talented. I loved him. I wondered if people got upset with the boob song only because they thought they were supposed to get upset. I saw this article that showed Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron and this other actress’ reaction. Jennifer Lawrence was tickled by it — I love her personality. The other two had irritated expressions on their faces. I’m like, seriously?
Aww thanks sweet Sandee! I think you’re right about people getting upset because they felt like they were supposed to get upset. Definitely. I feel like people are so concerned with being PC and not offending anyone, that they themselves are getting offended over every little thing.
I think the shots of Jennifer Lawrence and Charlize Theron were from a different night, and Seth and his crew put them into the song to make it look like they were upset! I don’t even think those were the real reactions! But I did love Jennifer Lawrence’s face!
That’s the first time I’ve actually seen the Seen Your Boobs thingy. It’s a bit odd that anyone other than the actresses mentioned have got upset about it.
The Oscars are just an inter-industry pat on the back, with a chance of additional publicity. We need more stuff like this, along with Ricky Gervais at The Golden Globes.
I love Jennifer Lawrence, and I want to marry her. I wonder when the media backlash will start.
Yeah, exactly. If a joke is aimed toward a certain group of people, only they should be upset. If your boobs weren’t mentioned, than you can’t really be offended, right?
I love Ricky Gervais. He always scares me when he hosts because he really crosses the line (which is funny to me, but not funny to Hollywood). I think they dread him over there…
I think Jennifer Lawrence:The Girl Who Can Do No Wrong stage will last for quite a bit. Maybe she’ll marry you! I’m sure your accent will get you far!
Nah, judging judging judging. People should feel less easily offended. Being able to take a joke is a sign of strength, no? It’s a thin line between funny and offensive, but some of these examples are just really not offensive. Deal with it.
Totally! Being able to take a joke just means is definitely a sign of strength. Also, I hate when people make jokes at other people’s expense, but they can’t take jokes being made about themselves. All falls under the same category, ya know?
You are awesome
No, you are!
I think the whole thing about “taking a joke” isn’t really fair. I mean, that always seems the go-to when anyone claims racism or sexism, and sometimes it’s true- people can be very over sensitive, and they can miss the joke entirely- but now I think it’s so overused and applied to things that aren’t even really supposed to be that funny. Like a coworker making a joke about your boobs or an obviously sexist commercial. I think it’s also a way to take the responsibility off the offender and on to the victim.
I think people were upset about the boob song because he referenced a lot of scenes where the actress was depicting a rape scene, and also because there would just never been a song like that about men. So, as a society, we kind of make women take their tops off in movies to be successful, but then we will shame them for doing it. I think the Jew joke was just hack.
Seth isn’t my personal cup of tea, but I wasn’t offended by anything he said, but I also think people are entitled to their feelings about it. Their feelings are just misdirected. Comedy is a reflection of our society. If race, gender, and class wasn’t an issue in our culture, then those jokes wouldn’t be funny. The articles about how sexist Seth was will run next to articles about how ugly some woman looked in their dress and how Melissa McCarthy is fat, but no one even notices that. We have to change, and then comedians won’t make sexist jokes because they wouldn’t get laughs. It’s the same with anything in entertainment- if we didn’t devalue women and covet violence, there wouldn’t be violent video games where you can beat a hooker to death, because doing that for fun wouldn’t make sense to us anymore.
Lol sorry for the mini blog post…
Hah no worries! You always get me thinkin’!
I totally see your point. I guess I’m not the best person to be representing my side because if someone made a sexist joke about me, I would probably laugh whereas most women would get offended. I feel like you have to look at the person’s intentions when they said the joke, ya know? I thought it was obvious that Seth was playing around, and not trying to be malicious or anything. If he made the song “We saw your tits” or “Women are so gross for being naked on screen” then yeah, it would definitely be more offensive, rude, and sexist. But I just feel like it was nothing but a playful song. Maybe I’m not offended because I wasn’t in the song?
But don’t you feel like if women made a song about men getting naked in movies it would be considered hilarious and brave? I don’t know, I always try to turn the table and it feels like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler could say that stuff and no one would bat an eye, right?
People are definitely entitled to their feelings about it. I guess I feel like people THINK they’re supposed to get upset. I definitely agree with you about our problems in society fueling the jokes that we make. There’s a saying that “there’s a little truth to every joke” and I think that’s true. I definitely think the best jokes are the ones that EVERYONE can laugh at. If people were offended by what Seth said, I can’t say “You shouldn’t be offended.” They have a right to feel whatever they want. It just feels like sometimes people can be too overly sensitive and don’t really take into consideration the motives of the comedian. I don’t think he wanted to hurt anyone. But I guess that’s just how things play out sometimes.
I don’t think he was trying to hurt anyone, either. Like I said, it didn’t offend me, and I was a little surprised that this became the big deal that it did. I think if there was a male version of the song, maybe it would be well received, but I think the point is that that song probably wouldn’t exist because men very rarely need to expose themselves on screen to get jobs, and I think there is something to that. Like I said, I can see why people might be offended, but I think their anger is misplaced, and before we get mad at comedians reflecting our own opinions back at us, we should get angry at magazines that pit two female celebrities against each other and ask Who Wore it Best?
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-macfarlane-as-oscars-host-425505 This is a really interesting article written about the Oscars in defense of Seth, but it kind of puts the whole thing into perspective. Worth the read.
I agree about the whole Who Wore It Best thing. And jokes like this do perpetuate the whole “outer appearance is the only thing that counts” thing.
Thanks for the article! I’ll give it a read!
Ugh, I am so sick of people THINKING they’re supposed to be offended by something and making a big fuss about it. Do people really have nothing better to do than take offense at a comedian’s jokes?
Send this post to MacFarlane via Twitter, Lily. I demand it!
Lol okay I will!
One of the reasons I never watch the news is that everything reported is hyper inflated. Seth MacFarlane is funny and talented man. All of those who are offended, I hope they don’t realize that there is a show where these types of jokes are commonplace. The Family Guy features things like this all the time (prom night dumbster baby, for example). There is a simple cure, don’t watch if you can’t take a joke or you are worried about the sensitivities of others. Confusing a performers material with how he really feels, is silly, childish and really doesn’t amount to anything in the real world. Do people think that because he made a Jewish joke we are all going to accept being antisemitic? It is things like these that baffle me. If people would be as outraged that there are children in our the US that don’t have enough to eat, or the fact that our government is controlled completely by corporations, then maybe that would be worth all of the fuss. I guess my point is that this was entertainment and not real life, taking it personally is like being mad at a movie about war for having violence in it. SILLY.
You bring up a ton of good points, Jonathan! I was trying to explain to my mom some of the jokes on Family Guy and how those are wayyyy worse than anything he said that night. Maybe I’m just weird because I don’t get offended by anything? Hah. But yeah, I guess people should’t watch the show if they are looking for ways to be offended. Those are the same kind of people that liked Anne Hathaway and James Franco as Oscar hosts, I’m sure.
You’re right about confusing a way that someone really thinks with what kind of jokes they’re telling is something that happens to everyone. It’s frustrating. I’ve had people tell me that I’m insensitive because of jokes that I’ve said. But really, I feel like I’m overly sensitive when it comes down to it.
Entertainment is not real life, this is true.
I get what you’re talking about. People want an “edgy” host and then when they get “edgy” they get all offended. Give me a break. Do you want “edgy” or not? Really.
True! I guess I was really surprised to find out how tame it actually was. In my mind I imagined super cringy jokes and embarrassing voices and stuff, but it wasn’t like that at all! I was pleasantly surprised!
I’m with you on this one. What bugs me more generally is that no matter who hosts these things, there’s always tons of criticism about the jabs they made the next day, but isn’t that what they’re hired for? To roast some of the stats nominated for Hollywood’s highest honor? It’s supposed to funny, envelope-pushing, and sometimes even inappropriate or offensive because that’s what gets ratings and buzz, and that’s all that matters. And by that standard, he was totally successful–look at this “backlash” he generated.
That’s true. People can’t have it both ways. They want it to be fun, fresh, and exciting, but when it’s any of those things people get mad. Haha I guess it is kind of like a roast! I never thought of it that way! He did get a lot of buzz and critiques for sure. I wonder if that’s what he wanted though. Maybe if people weren’t so harsh, he would’ve wanted to come back and host again?
Jews DO control Hollywood, and a bunch of other stuff, because they tend to be smarter and more talented and harder-working than a lot of other people. Good for them. They need to be ahead after all the he** they’ve suffered historically, and all the discrimination against them.
There’s a little truth to every stereotype, ya know? That’s how stereotypes were made. It’s not like being a hard-worker or smart is a bad stereotype either, so I don’t know why they’re so bothered by it. And Jews make fun of themselves all the time! So why get upset when someone else does it? I hate that.
thanks for your perspective on this–because I did not watch it I did judge Seth as uncouth–but now that you are making a case for him I have decided to stay neutral–and should I ever mistakenly step out of line–I want you there to make my case-well argued Lily
Aww thanks Lou Ann, you’re sweet. Yeah it’s hard to know what side to be on unless you actually watch it. That same thing always happens to me when I miss something and just listen to what other people had to say about it. Staying neutral is a great way to be about a lot of things, I think. I’m a Libra, so I feel like I can always see both sides. I’m the worst debater ever because of that! Hah
I call myself a fencesitter as I am the same way you are–I can see both sides — which is probably good as I am a reporter
Seth should have fallen on stage and everyone would have felt bad for him and turned him into America’s Sweetheart. From now one we should just have everybody’s grandma combine hosting duties. That way everyone will be bored and unoffended as intended.
Hahah omg so true. How does falling make someone more lovable? Life is backwards. If someone fell in high school, they would immediately have zero friends. Okay that’s not true. I think the grandma thing could work though. Maybe they could sprinkle a lot of cats on stage too…or would that be too stereotypical and offensive to grandma’s that don’t have cats?
Excellent! I hate political correctness. I have an idea to start a new blog; I’m going to call it “The world’s most offensive blog ever!” It’s going to be great! 🙂
Hahah I will definitely be a fan of that blog! I’m so bad at being politically correct. I think it’s more fun not to be anyway. We should all be able to laugh at ourselves 😀
I’m with Seth, I’ll never host the Oscars.
Noooo! I was counting on you! I guess the Oscars will just be called off next year and it’s all your fault!
I’ve already commented about this on another blog and like I said there, what did people expect from the creator of Family Guy? I didn’t actually watch the Oscars but I read all the backlash about it the following day. I’m not offended. I think people get way too offended too quickly these days.
I feel the same way. I mean, he’s known for saying inappropriate stuff. I didn’t think anything he said was even offensive though. I feel like people think that they should be offended and then they just get all crazy. It’s better to just not care about anything haha 😉
I thought he was super funny. Anyone who was offended needs to examine things a little more closely. If George Clooney was the host and sang this little number, all would be right with the world. It would be HILARIOUS. I’m sick of all the PC. This is America folks – get a sense of humor, would ya?
Totes! George Clooney actually has a really good delivery…maybe he should host the Oscars! Haha. But yeah I just hate when people are offended when the joke isn’t even aimed toward them. All in all, I thought it was a great ceremony too! I thought it was smart of Seth MacFarlane to use this opportunity to introduce himself to people who don’t really know his work, ya know?
Ooh, I’m a bit divided on this one. I do think it has been blown way out of proportion, but I can see where people are coming from. I think the whole ‘we saw your boobs’ joke wasn’t very clever in all honesty. I think it emphasises that women are not only expected to be sexualised and attractive in all their films, but it also has a tinge of ‘men want sex and we have to steal it from you’.
Was I offended? Definitely not. Personally, while not an actress, I’ll show my boobs to who I want to show them too. And if I don’t. then I won’t. However, while Seth MacFarlane’s humour has some hilarious moments (Ted was downright tear-inducing funny), I do think ‘mean’ humour can often be unintelligent, boring and just not very funny.
Plus, Joan Rivers has been copping just as much flack for her tasteless comments lately, so I guess it’s not all about gender.
Hah it’s funny that you meantion Joan Rivers because I love how she doesn’t leave anyone out. She’ll rip everyone to shreds.
Mean humor actually doesn’t bother me that much when it’s aimed towards actors and actresses. They choose to be in the spotlight and be in front of people. They’re normally treated like gods and goddesses so I feel like we should be able to make fun of them whenever.
I definitely don’t think “We Saw Your Boobs” was clever. I agree with you on that. I feel like it’s the actresses who willingly take off their shirts for a role. They don’t have to do that, right? No one is forcing them to. Nude scenes in most movies are usually not necessary, I feel. So I can’t say that men are really the ones that want to sexualize women. I think women in Hollywood want to sexualize themselves!
But I don’t know. I totally get your point and what you’re saying, but I just keep focusing on the actors themselves and how they choose that lifestyle. But maybe if I were an actress I would’ve been offended?
This is great.
You know what Hollywood? If you don’t want anyone to mock you, stop being such asshats. Hey Angelina, if you don’t want people to make fun of your weird pose, don’t stand like that. If you don’t want anyone to talk or sing about your boobs, keep your shirt on.
I love Seth MacFarlane and Ted and Family Guy.
Did you see the Family Feud episode?
Name your favorite holiday!
9/11!
hahahahah
Exactly Maggie, exactly. That is what I was trying to say but you said it wayyy better than I did.
I love that you love Family Guy. And I love that you love that joke. You’re perfect.
Takes one bit of perfection to know another!
I like the way you think.
I know I’m coming late to the discussion, but just wanted to add my two-cents. I am a huge fan of Seth MacFarlane. I watch both Family Guy and American Dad – also loved the movie Ted. I think any fan of Seth’s doesn’t get offended very easily.
I thought he was really funny. My whole family laughed and laughed. I wish that the Ted character hadn’t talked about sex and orgies because our whole family watches together, but that was the only thing that I cringed at. I also thought that there could have been more focus on the movies that were up for awards. It seems like the only parody that had anything to do with any of the movies up for awards was the sock puppet version of Flight – which I also thought was hilarious.
I wasn’t offended, but I also don’t get bothered if other regular people were offended by it. We’re all different, and if Seth’s kind of humor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – I get it. I just get a little annoyed at the actors and actresses who take themselves so seriously. They put themselves out there to be praised or critiqued, and then they are only happy if they are praised.
I totally agree with you Tarali. They definitely should’ve made fun of the movies (like they did with Flight) more. That would’ve been good, safe territory for him too, and I think he wouldn’t have gotten as much flack.
I kind of remember the orgy joke. It was kind of stupid and unnecessary. I thought there was going to be way more cringe-worthy moments though, so I was pleasantly surprised that there weren’t that many.
That’s good that you don’t get bothered when people get offended. I guess the only thing that bugs me is that people seem to make a big deal out of nothing. I get annoyed with actors and actresses that take themselves and their “craft” so seriously too. It’s so dumb. I totally agree with your last sentence. That is basically what I was trying to say with my post, but I didn’t express myself as eloquently!
Thanks for commenting!
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I like Seth MacFarlane and I thought he did a pretty good job at the Oscars this year. But, with that said, I always laugh at who the Academy chooses to host the event because it almost never goes according to plan. One year, they want edgy, like Seth, one year they want a team like James Franco and Anne Hathaway to attract younger viewers. Then they turn around and choose the tried and true Billy Crystal or Steve Martin to offset the years they were going for an “edgy and different” show. I think the Academy needs to do a little soul searching and figure out what they really want because they are basically setting up their hosts for ridicule and failure. Everyone who likes Seth’s humor enjoyed him hosting immensely and took his jokes for what they were – jokes. Personally, I felt Seth’s singing voice was awesome and he was right there with Hugh Jackman as host for me!
You’re totally right! I couldn’t even watch the James Franco/Anne Hathaway one. It was too cringe-worthy for me! The Academy does need to figure out what they want, you’re right. I think they should be proud of themselves this year because you could even hear the audience howling at all of his jokes. No one seemed upset besides the reporters.
Wasn’t his singing voice great? I loved it!
I’ll admit that I like to get offended. It breaks up the monotony of the day. Getting mad at people like Seth Macfarlane is a lot easier than getting mad at my husband when he frustrates me or the person who cuts me off in traffic. It’s also a lot less cathartic and accomplishes absolutely nothing at all. It’s dumb and pointless to get offended by him. America is full of people who would rather sound off about Seth Macfarlane’s jokes that are in fact humorous and clever than help find real solutions to real problems. I mean, look at Congress. We elected them. They get LESS than nothing done. I don’t know where I’m going with this but I think you know what I mean 😉 Great post, Lils.
Lol I totes understand what you mean. I used to like getting offended. But then I started watching too many shows where they make fun of people and enjoying laughing at other people. I didn’t want to be one of those people who could dish it out but couldn’t take it. Well, I’m kind of still like that. I don’t mind being made fun of, but I can be sensitive sometimes. I think I just went way off topic.
Totes agree about cCongress (even though I know nothing about politics). I like what you said about how people should be finding real solutions to real problems instead of getting angry. Yes.
Oh and thanks! 😀
There’s always those idiots in media that like to blow things way out of proportion, but the normal people that aren’t f’n imbeciles know that MacFarlane isn’t any of the things they call him. It’s like when Ricky Gervais did the Golden Globes, it’s entertainment and if people don’t like it they shouldn’t watch it.
True true true. I think people just like getting upset for no reason. It brings excitement into their boring lives. I’m glad at least we have a good sense of humor 🙂